After thrashing Australia 3-0 in the three-match T20I series, the number one ranked Pakistan are on a high as they get ready to welcome New Zealand for a three-match series.

The first of the matches will be played on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi as the host look to continue their T20 domination.

Match Preview

Pakistan whitewashed Australia 3-0 for the first time in their history to warm up for this series in the best manner possible. This is the tenth straight T20I series win and the margins of victory – 66 runs, 11 runs, and 33 runs – indicate how easy it was for the hosts. Barring the later stages of the second T20I, Pakistan’s domination was never under threat.

It was Babar Azam’s consistent batting (163 runs) and Mohammed Hafeez’s steady influence (111 runs) that managed to give Pakistan an edge. Their bowling had a lot of variety with the relentless pressure maintained by Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim and others was exceptional.

New Zealand are one of the most underrated sides in white ball cricket, who always enjoy punching above their weight. The Black Caps have come without their star opener Martin Guptill, whose absence will be a big hole at the top. However, having Colin Munro to blaze – he has three T20I centuries to his name – is a luxury for the side.

However, it is the presence of star batsman and captain Kane Williamson that makes New Zealand a dangerous side. With his technique, Williamson is one of the best players to lead his side’s charge. Bowling has not much firepower other than Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi, but New Zealand has always been a side of individual players than stars.

It will be an interesting battle between these sides, which is expected to be a lot closer than what it was between Pakistan and Australia. New Zealand are expected to run Pakistan close, but may not be able to win the match.

History & Statistics

Pakistan have won their last six T20Is.

Pakistan have won 14 of their last 15 T20Is.

Pakistan have won their last eight T20Is played in UAE.

Pakistan have won their last four T20Is at this venue.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam has four 50+ scores in his last five T20Is.

New Zealand have lost six of their last seven T20Is.

Key Players

T20 is not a format for consistency, but Babar Azam has redefined all the records with exceptional performances against Australia. The Pakistani opener is in great for heading into the series and should once again be key to their chances.

He has three T20I centuries to his name and that makes Colin Munro one of the most dangerous batsmen in the format. His strength is certainly not playing against spinners, but with his ability to turn things around Munro can be a tough cookie.

Tips

Back Pakistan to win the match at odds of $1.57 (bet365).

Back Babar Azam to be the top Pakistan batsman at odds of $3.50 (bet365).

Back Munro to be the top New Zealand batsman at odds of $4.00 (bet365).

New Zealand hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Bangladesh and the teams move to Wellington for the second match starting on Friday with question marks over the visitors’ ability to compete.Read More